Should DoD change the Transition Assistance Program for service members to one program for all of them?

LTC John Phillips — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:46:55 -0500

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 19 at 2013 9:38 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:38:52 -0500

Sir,

That is another quandary that I think will be fixed anytime soon, each service has their own thought on how they want to do things for their SMs, and each is resistant on doing anything combined that takes away from their individuality, look at the issue with the duty/field/combat uniforms, if they can't agree on one universal uniform for those purposes, do you really think they are going to be able to come up with a one-stop shop for transitioning SMs for all the services?

Great post, take care and have a safe and happy holidays.

Response by SGT Jason Scholte made Apr 9 at 2014 3:46 PM

SGT Jason Scholte — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:46:40 -0400

Great question... Since just starting out working with some TAP Offices I can say that there is definitely an issue of compartmentalization. It seems that while the programs all cover basic strategies some tend to be very involved while others remain very basic. For example Ft Bragg has an actual Transition University (not sure if that's the specific name), but other places like HAFB or JBLM might have their own version of that.

My understanding is this is a Dept of Labor mission and is contracted out. So, therein lies the first reason for disconnect, it's not a mission directly governed by DoD so far as I can tell. This doesn't mean DoD doesn't have influence, I just think it means more decisions and directions come from within the government contractor and these may be different or prioritized differently that what the actual Agency (DOL/DoD) wanted.

To build a uniform TAP strategy makes sense, and this sort of thing could actually save money when best-practices and cost saving techniques or services are used.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jul 16 at 2015 7:46 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:46:29 -0400

I think they should all have the same basic format and information but they should also have local resources come in and let the troops know that if they can't get a job after the military or they don't want to go to college right away what kind of services there are in the area. I know it has changed since i got out in 09 but the number one complaint i get in my office is that TAPS didn't let them know there was local help available if they didn't get a job or in case they lost it. I like what JBLM does. They start the process almost a year out and before you leave the military you either have school or a job lined up for basically the day after the military. I believe they you also have a completed VA claim upon getting out.